It's almost summertime, which means basking in the warmth of the sun. Summer is a time of renewal and rejuvenation. Wherever you live in America, you will need specific summer items in your arsenal. Survival experts and serious preppers take time to also be summer-ready.
Following are ways you can prepare yourself to make the most of what the summer months offer. First, sit with your family to make preparations for a fun and safe summer, including the following aspects of your life:
Mind
Body
Soul
Mind
Learn new card games
Work on family history together
Do crafts you have not tried before
Read classic literature
Go scavenging at garage sales or thrift stores
Learn how to make jewelry like paracord bracelets
Learn how to tie different knots
Visit local museums or historical sight
Go on a day trip
Learn a foreign language
Be acquainted with all of your neighbors
Travel to a national park or local nature reserve
Body
Soaking in the rays and Vitamin D
Fresh fruits and veggies
Eat healthier fresh foods from the garden.
You can be more active and exercise regularly
Outdoor exercising and sports
Comfy lightweight clothing
Amusement parks
Long walks
Fresh air
The smell of freshly cut grass
Enjoying gardening and harvest
Soul
Perform random acts of kindness
Summer days are longer, sunnier, and a bit lazier. Laziness can be a good thing to renew your body, indulge in peaceful activities, and plan for more downtime.
A more laidback schedule allows your mind to stop racing. You can bask in the warm sun and rejoice in more free time.
Stay up and enjoy the outdoors longer because the sun stays up longer. Summer evenings are delightful and a good time to visit with friends and family.
You can smell the sweet, mild fragrances of blossoming flowers.
Prepare a getaway with your spouse and children. Many of the best memories come in the summer from vacations.
Enjoy the serene, beautiful sights of lakes surrounded by green forests.
What summertime traumas occur the most?
Bicycling-related injuries: You might think that most bicycle accidents that occur during the summer are children, but there are more in the 25 to 64 age range.
Burns are very common during the summer due to grills and fireworks.
Trampoline-related injuries: Most trampoline injuries occur when more than one person jumps at a time. Those under 15 years of age are most commonly injured.
Animal bites: Dogs are not appropriately trained and children who assume them to be friendly often cause aggressive behavior. Snake bites are more common because people venture into the wilderness and do not know how to act around them.
According to the US Department of Justice, aggravated assault rises in the summer, including household burglary, theft, rape, and sexual assault. Unfortunately, attacks can take place nearly everywhere these days. It is best to make a plan and be sure that every family member knows what to do in various scenarios. Make a communication plan so that kids know where they can reach you or another trusted adult.
What precautions should be taken in the summer months?
There are so many reasons to love summer, but remember that summer does not come without the possibility of perils.
The lack of inhibitions is the cause of many summer mishaps. Keep a clear head, and don’t take unnecessary risks.
Continue to take prescription medication, consume adequate calories, and drink plenty of fluids.
Heat exhaustion requires that you drink more water and take breaks from sports or exercising more often.
Sunburns can occur in a short time, so have plenty of sunscreen and reapply often.
Sweaty people - need more effective deodorant and take frequent showers. Germs multiply in hot/humid weather. Switch up your deodorant.
Boredom - after the first week or so, children become bored and need new activities to do, which leads them to do dangerous activities. so parents need to know where their children are
Flies are unhygienic and contaminate food. so keep bug repellent nearby.
Wear a hat and sunglasses to protect yourself from the effects of too much sunshine
Obnoxious weeds and plants can cause hives or allergic reactions.
Mosquitos emerge, and their bites are itchy and can spread diseases.
Bees and wasps build their nests in the summer, so have an EpiPen handy
Wearing flip-flops during a rainstorm is dangerous. Have an extra pair of athletic shoes and socks for each family member.
Take extra care of your feet and toes by attending to blisters, cuts, and sores.
Be mindful of lake rules, curfews, weather warnings, and wear life jackets.
How to prepare for summer emergencies
Extreme Heat - heatwaves
Can’t sleep - air conditioning
Wildfires - follow the rules and listen to radio stations
Sunburns - painful, blisters, peeling - always use sunscreen and sunblock when outside
Heatstroke - drink plenty of water
Humidity - curly, frizzy hair, chronic cough, asthma - Use appropriate medications.
Hurricanes - Purchase roof straps to help keep your roof on the house during a storm. Secure any item that could serve as a projectile in your yard. Use plywood to cover up windows on the outside.
Bugs - large spiders, swarming gnats, mosquitoes are annoying buzzing- itchy bites (hydrocortisone cream) - spread diseases like dengue fever, malaria, flies.
Bug spray insect repellant
Reptiles - Snakes, frogs teach children about reptiles
Wasps - stings, EpiPens- burn the hive if you find one in a controlled state
Crowded pools - life jackets, supervision
Allergies flare up; hay-fever be tested for allergies and get appropriate shots.
Air conditioning is often too cold and dry, so keep it at a comfortable temperature.
Obesity or binge eating - eat food in-season - fresh fruits and veggies. Avoid heavy meals during the summer.
Stench - throw away or bury old food.
Other Summer Tips for Summer:
Use masks and moist conditioners to keep your hair healthy during the summer.
Clean out your medicine cabinet - throw away expired medications
Re-evaluate your skincare routine - skin changes from one season to the next
Exfoliate your whole body, and you will see an improvement in the overall health of your skin.
Use makeup that includes sunscreen with sufficient SPF, and try lighter makeup that does not clog up pores. Consider a sheet CC cream. With lighter shades of foundation and lipstick
Keep a battery-operated NWS-approved radio on to listen to storm watches and warnings - social media may not be reliable, so keep up with local weather situations.
Remember that a 72-hour kit alone, even if packed right, does not mean you are fully prepared for anything. Schedule time to put your 72-hour kit to the test. Testing it once every 6 to 12 months will help realize what you lack and how useful it is.
Favorite things about summer often include:
Soaking in the rays and Vitamin D
Fresh fruits and veggies
Decks and patio barbecues
Getaways
Napping in a hammock
Beach trips and salty sea breezes
Longer days for more fun
Summer thunderstorms
Ice cream and other cold desserts
Bonfires
What questions are essential to ask when preparing for the summer?
How many people are in your family?
Does anyone in your family have special needs?
Does anyone in your family have allergies?
Does someone in your family take daily medication?
Do you have an infant?
Ensure you have adequate supplies for each person in your family in case of a power outage, family emergency, or unexpected tragedy.
The R72 Grab&Go Vest makes it easy to prepare for anything.
